Pomegranate


Punica granatum

Pomegranate

Benefits

  • Antioxidant
  • Anticoccidial
  • Antitumor
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiparasitic
  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal
  • Immunity
  • Cardioprotective
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a shrub widely known for its healthy red fruits, that contains hundreds of edible seeds called arils. These seeds are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Ancient Egyptians realized the benefits of pomegranate as a remedy for a variety of ailments and, in recent times, pomegranate has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects, such as antiparasitic, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, and antitumour activities. Specific applications in relation to poultry include:
  • Antioxidant: Pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants.
  • Anticancer: Two studies conducted in mice with prostate cancer showed proof that pomegranate fruit extract inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis via modulation of proteins regulating apoptosis.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Pomegranate fruit extract suggests pomegranate constituents prevent collagen degradation and may potentially inhibit joint destruction related to osteoarthritis.
  • Antimicrobial: Several in vitro studies showed that pomegranate extract may inhibit growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

Poultry Specific Studies

TypePlant PartDosageSpecific useResultsRef
Henspeel powder2-4% dietantioxidantReduced the adverse effects of oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone on body weight and egg production comparing to the positive control. Additionally, pomegranate peel powder had a significant positive lowering effect on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride contents compared to control groups. The lipid peroxidation indicators (MDA) were reduced, but the antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and total antioxidant blood capacity were improved.Y Eid et al., 2021
Broilerspeel4% dietimmunityIncreased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities.M Shasemi-Sadabadi et al., 2021
Broilerspeel7.5-10 g/kg dietantioxidantresulted in significant upregulation of hepatic catalase and superoxide dismutase1, which reflected in decreased concentration of circulatory malondialdehyde (MDA). Dietary inclusion of PP at 7.5 and 1.0 g/kg significantly decreased serum concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol with concomitant decrease in abdominal fat deposition. The antihyperlipidemic effect was mediated through down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR). Hypotensive effect of PP was also observed at 7.5 and 10 g/kg as reduced heart weight and the right-to-total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV) and decreased mortality from pulmonary hypertension. The hypotensive property of PP was associated with increased concentration of serum nitric oxide. In conclusion, this study revealed antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic and hypotensive effects of PP at 7.5 and 10 g/kg in broiler chickens exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Health-beneficial effects of PP suggest this product as a promising multi-functional phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens.B Ahmadipour et al., 2021
Hensseed oil5–15 g/kg dietegg qualityImproved EPA and DHA content in eggsM Alagawany et al., 2019
Broilerspeel extract650 mg/kg dietimmunity, heat stressimproved the growth performance and plasma lipid profile of broiler chickens reared under heat stress.M Sharifian et al., 2019

References